Tag: writing
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Sir Philip Magnus-Allcroft: The Gentleman Who Inspired a Historian
When I trace the beginnings of my love of history, I always return to one figure — Sir Philip Magnus-Allcroft of Stokesay Court, the elderly baronet who, quite unknowingly, set a child on the path to becoming a historian. I met him in the great Shropshire house that dominated my early world. He would summon…
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How Childhood Environments Shape Intellectual Identity: A Historian’s Reflection
When we think about how people become who they are, we often turn to education, professional training, or moments of career opportunity. Yet the truth is that much of what defines our intellectual and professional identity is sown far earlier – in the unnoticed textures of childhood. My own journey as a historian was not…
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A Tribute to My Uncle Glyn Davies (1943–2025)
Uncle Glyn with me in my younger, hairier days — clearly paying close attention. From my earliest childhood memories, Uncle Glyn was a steady and inspiring presence in my life. I remember the many visits to see him in Corris, where he lived with my nain — visits filled with warmth, conversation, and a quiet…